An Austrian company assembles all generations of the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, popularly known as “Gelik”. Magna Steyr at the plant in Graz. It is this industrial complex, located in the federal state of Styria, that is the only place in the world where these cars have been assembled since 1979, regardless of which logo - Mercedes-Benz or AMG — emblazoned on the radiator grille. Many people mistakenly believe that production is entirely based in Germany, but historically, the Austrian engineering corporation has become a key partner of the Swabian auto giant.
In fact, “Gelik” is the result of cooperation between the German brand, which is responsible for the design, engines and the overall concept, and Austrian engineers, who ensure the direct assembly of the body and components. Contract manufacturing at capacities Magna Steyr allows Mercedes-Benz to maintain the highest hand-crafted quality, which is especially important for a body-on-frame SUV with its complex body geometry. Understanding which company is behind the production is important for owners, as this affects the availability of spare parts, the specific corrosion resistance of the body and the characteristics of service in different regions.
The question of who the real manufacturer is often comes up when buying a used car or when ordering rare trim levels, since the car's VIN number contains codes indicating Austrian origin. The Graz plant has gone through many modernizations, but has retained the unique technology of manual welding and quality control that makes every product assembled there Mercedes G-Class a unique specimen. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the history of the partnership, the technical features of production, and answer frequently asked questions about the origin of your SUV.
Historical aspect of the creation of the alliance
The history of the appearance of "Gelika" dates back to the mid-1970s, when the company Mercedes-Benz was looking for a reliable partner for the development and production of a new SUV that could compete with British and American counterparts. The choice fell on the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch, which at that time already had extensive experience in the production of military equipment and trucks. It was the engineers from Austria who proposed the concept of a durable frame and three differentials, which became the calling card of the model.
The first prototype, known as “Wolf”, was created jointly, but it was decided to launch serial production at the Austrian plant. Agreement, reached between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch, assumed that the Austrian side would take care of assembly, and the German side would handle marketing and sales. This decision turned out to be fateful, as it allowed us to maintain production flexibility and high quality manual assembly, which would have been difficult to implement on Mercedes assembly lines in Germany at that time.
In the 1990s, after a series of mergers and acquisitions, assets Steyr-Daimler-Puch transferred to the Canadian-Austrian giant Magna International, and the Graz plant was renamed Magna Steyr. However, the essence of the partnership has not changed: Mercedes-Benz remained the owner of the brand and technology, and Magna Steyr - exclusive manufacturer. This division of labor allowed Gelik to survive several generational changes, remaining one of the most recognizable cars in the world.
- 🚙 The original name of the project inside Steyr-Daimler-Puch sounded like “H1”.
- 🤝 The production contract was extended several times and is still valid.
- 🏭 The Graz plant also assembled Peugeot 4007 and Chrysler Voyager.
- ⚙️ Engines for the G-Class are supplied exclusively by Mercedes-Benz.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a car second-hand, pay attention to the VIN plate. If it says Austria or Graz, this confirms the original origin from the Magna Steyr factory, and not assembly in other countries.
Technological process at the Magna Steyr plant
The production process at the Graz plant is unique in that it combines advanced robotics and a significant amount of manual labor. Unlike mass-produced Mercedes models, which are assembled on fully automated lines in Germany, Gelik goes through many stages where human intervention is required. Frame welding and bodywork, engine installation and final assembly of the interior are carried out with special care, which allows for minimal clearances and a high level of sound insulation.
One of the key features is the body paint. Before a car enters the paint shop, it undergoes a multi-stage geometry check. The Gelika body has an angular shape, which creates additional difficulties when applying paintwork, especially on the edges and corners. Specialists Magna Steyr use special technologies cataphoretic priming, to provide maximum corrosion protection, although owners of older models know that corrosion can still be an issue.
Each assembled car undergoes dynamic tests on a special track located right on the territory of the plant. This makes it possible to identify defects in the suspension, transmission or engine before shipment to dealers. This quality control system is standard for Mercedes-Benz, but at the plant in Graz special attention is paid to it due to the off-road purpose of the car.
The plant's engineers are constantly introducing new technologies to meet Euro 6 and future Euro 7 environmental standards. This applies not only to engines, but also to the production process itself, where renewable energy sources and water recycling systems are actively used.
AMG's role in the creation of the G-Class
When it comes to powerful versions of Gelika, one cannot fail to mention the unit Mercedes-AMG. Although the physical assembly is carried out Magna Steyr, the engines for the G 63 and G 65 versions are handcrafted at the Affalterhern plant. Each such motor is assembled by one engineer, who attaches his name plate to it. This adds exclusivity to the car and confirms its high status.
Tuning studio AMG is engaged not only in boosting the engine, but also in refining the suspension, exhaust system and interior. Body panels for AMG versions are also produced taking into account increased loads and aerodynamic requirements. Although the basic platform remains unchanged, the difference between the regular G 500 and the G 63 AMG is enormous, and this is largely thanks to the specialists from Affalterher.
Cooperation between Magna Steyr and AMG fine-tuned to the smallest detail. Bodies prepared in Graz can be sent for retrofitting or final tuning to other centers, but the bulk of the assembly work on top versions is also carried out in Austria. This allows us to maintain the unity of the technological process and ensure that even the most powerful Gelik will have the same reliability as the base model.
- 🏎️ AMG engines are assembled according to the principle of “one engineer - one engine”.
- 🔊 AMG exhaust systems have a unique sound, tuned by engineers.
- 🎨 AMG interiors are finished with more expensive materials.
- 🛞 The wheelbase and suspension are adapted for increased power.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a G-Class with the AMG badge, make sure that it is a factory version, and not the result of the work of third-party tuning studios, of which there are many on the market.
Comparison of component manufacturers
Although assembly is carried out in Austria, components for Gelika are supplied from all over the world. Mercedes-Benz, like other major automakers, operates a global supply chain. However, key components such as the engine, gearbox and electronics are produced at Daimler plants in Germany and Hungary. This ensures synergy between the various divisions of the concern.
Below is a table showing the production distribution of the main components for the Mercedes G-Class:
| Component | Manufacturer | Country of origin | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Mercedes-Benz | Germany / Hungary | AMG assembly by hand |
| Body and frame | Magna Steyr | Austria | Welding and painting |
| Transmission | Mercedes-Benz | Germany | 9G-TRONIC |
| Electronics | Bosch / Continental | Germany / Czech Republic | Control units |
This distribution allows you to optimize logistics and reduce costs, while maintaining high quality. For example, steel for frames can be supplied from different sources, but undergoes strict incoming inspection at the Graz plant. Quality control applies to each supplier, which minimizes the risk of defects.
Interesting fact about suppliers
Did you know that even the floor mats and some interior elements for the G-Class can be produced by specialized partner companies that have been working for Mercedes for decades? This ensures a perfect match of color and texture of the materials.
Differences between the Austrian assembly and the German one
There is a persistent myth that “German assembly” is always better than “Austrian” or any other. In the case of the G-Class, this myth has no basis, since Magna Steyr is an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz ecosystem. Moreover, many experts believe that it is the manual assembly in Graz that gives the Gelik the very reliability and charisma for which it is valued.
German Mercedes plants, such as in Sindelfingen or Bremen, are focused on mass production with a high degree of automation. This is great for E-Class or S-Class sedans, where perfect repeatability of millions of operations is important. However, for a body-on-frame SUV with its complex design, the flexibility of the Austrian plant is more appropriate. Skilled workers in Graz can quickly respond to any deviations during the assembly process.
In addition, the Graz plant specializes in small-scale production and projects for other brands, which has developed a unique adaptability among the engineers. They are accustomed to working with different standards and requirements, which has a positive effect on the production culture. Therefore, the question “which company is Gelik” should not cause concern - this is a symbiosis of the best practices of the two countries.
- 🇦🇹 The Austrian assembly is famous for its attention to detail.
- 🇩🇪 German engines are considered the standard of reliability.
- 🔧 Service is the same for all assemblies.
- 📉 The liquidity of the car does not depend on the country of assembly.
⚠️ Attention: Don’t be fooled by salespeople’s persuasion about a “special German assembly” for the G-Class. Officially, all civilian models are assembled only in Austria.
☑️ G-Class authentication
Future plans and electrification
The future of Gelika is inextricably linked with Daimler’s plans to electrify its model range. Preparations for the production of an all-electric version are already underway at the Graz plant. Mercedes-Benz EQG. This will require modernization of production lines, since the architecture of an electric vehicle is significantly different from an internal combustion engine.
Electric Gelik will retain the frame structure and off-road capabilities, but will receive a new power plant. The production of batteries and electric motors will be distributed between different factories of the concern, but the final assembly will most likely remain in Austria. This confirms the long-term nature of the partnership between Mercedes and Magna Steyr.
Investments in the Graz plant continue, which indicates Mercedes' confidence in the demand for the model. Even in the era of crossovers and urban trends, Gelik remains a symbol of freedom and cross-country ability. And as long as there is demand, the Austrian plant will continue to produce these legendary cars.